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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Engineering Geologist

💰 $70,000 - $125,000

EngineeringGeoscienceConstructionEnvironmental

🎯 Role Definition

As a pivotal member of our project team, the Engineering Geologist serves as the crucial link between the earth's subsurface conditions and safe, sustainable engineering design. You will be responsible for characterizing geologic site conditions, identifying potential geohazards, and providing critical data and recommendations for a wide range of infrastructure, construction, and environmental projects. This role demands a unique blend of rigorous field investigation, sophisticated data analysis, and clear, effective communication to guide project decisions from conception through construction. You will be our expert on the ground—and under it—ensuring that our engineering solutions are built on a solid foundation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Staff Geologist / Junior Geologist
  • Field Geologist / Technician
  • Geology or Geological Engineering Graduate

Advancement To:

  • Senior Engineering Geologist / Senior Project Geologist
  • Geotechnical Project Manager
  • Technical Lead / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Lateral Moves:

  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Environmental Geologist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, coordinate, and execute comprehensive geotechnical and geologic site investigations, including soil borings, rock coring, test pitting, and geophysical surveys.
  • Perform detailed field logging and sampling of soil and rock materials encountered in borings and excavations, classifying them according to USCS, Burmister, and other relevant industry standards.
  • Conduct and oversee in-situ field testing, such as Standard Penetration Tests (SPT), Cone Penetration Tests (CPT), and permeability (packer) testing, while ensuring strict data quality and accuracy.
  • Perform geologic hazard assessments to identify and mitigate risks related to landslides, slope stability, fault rupture potential, liquefaction, and seismic ground shaking.
  • Develop and interpret geologic maps, cross-sections, and 3D subsurface models to characterize complex site conditions and communicate findings to project teams.
  • Analyze laboratory test results on soil and rock samples to determine their engineering properties, including shear strength, compressibility, and hydraulic conductivity.
  • Provide technically sound geologic and geotechnical recommendations for the design of shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls, embankments, tunnels, and other civil structures.
  • Conduct construction observation and materials testing services during earthwork and foundation construction to verify compliance with project plans and specifications.
  • Author and meticulously review comprehensive engineering geologic and geotechnical reports, technical memoranda, and field reports that are clear, concise, and technically defensible.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams of civil engineers, structural engineers, and planners to integrate geotechnical findings into the overall project design.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior geologists, field technicians, and drilling subcontractors, while rigorously promoting health and safety protocols.
  • Utilize specialized geotechnical software (e.g., SLOPE/W, SLIDE, LPILE, gINT) to perform advanced stability, seepage, settlement, and bearing capacity analyses.
  • Manage project tasks, schedules, and budgets effectively, ensuring key milestones and deliverables are completed on time and within financial constraints.
  • Conduct fault and paleoseismic trenching investigations to evaluate seismic hazards and provide critical input for developing seismic design parameters.
  • Evaluate groundwater conditions and their potential impact on construction and long-term performance of engineered structures, including designing dewatering systems.
  • Respond to and evaluate unforeseen geologic conditions encountered during construction, providing agile, real-time problem-solving and design modifications as necessary.
  • Ensure all field and office activities are conducted in strict adherence to company, client, and regulatory health and safety standards.
  • Participate actively in client meetings and project presentations to effectively communicate technical findings, justify recommendations, and build strong professional relationships.
  • Analyze rock mass characteristics, including discontinuities and rock quality designation (RQD), to provide recommendations for rock slope stability and tunnel support.
  • Perform desktop studies and literature reviews, including detailed analysis of aerial photographs, LiDAR data, geologic maps, and historical site data to inform project planning.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in the preparation of proposals, statements of qualifications, and budget estimates for new geotechnical and geological investigation projects.
  • Contribute to the development and improvement of company standards, procedures, and best practices for geological investigations and reporting.
  • Maintain and ensure calibration of field investigation equipment, and stay current with emerging technologies and methodologies in engineering geology.
  • Support business development efforts by identifying potential project opportunities and fostering relationships with current and prospective clients.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Geotechnical Analysis Software: Proficiency in slope stability, seepage, and foundation analysis software (e.g., GeoStudio Suite [SLOPE/W], Rocscience Suite [SLIDE, Dips], LPILE, GROUP).
  • Borehole Logging Software: Expertise in using gINT or LogPlot for the creation of professional boring logs and subsurface profiles.
  • GIS & Mapping: Strong ability to use GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS) for geologic mapping, spatial data analysis, and hazard assessment.
  • CAD Integration: Familiarity with AutoCAD or Civil 3D for viewing site plans and integrating geological data with engineering designs.
  • Soil & Rock Classification: In-depth knowledge of classification systems including USCS, AASHTO, and the Unified Rock Classification System (URCS).
  • Site Investigation Methods: Hands-on experience with a variety of subsurface exploration techniques, including mud rotary, hollow-stem auger, rock coring, CPT, and SPT.
  • Geohazard Evaluation: Demonstrated ability to perform detailed analyses for seismic hazards, liquefaction potential, and landslide susceptibility.
  • Hydrogeology: Understanding of groundwater principles, aquifer testing, and evaluation of groundwater impacts on construction.
  • Foundation Design Concepts: Strong knowledge of the principles governing shallow and deep foundation design and earth retention systems.
  • Technical Writing & Reporting: Exceptional ability to write clear, concise, and comprehensive technical reports for a variety of audiences.
  • Field Instrumentation: Experience with installation and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation such as inclinometers, piezometers, and extensometers.

Soft Skills

  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to solve complex geological and engineering challenges.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to data collection, analysis, and report preparation to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams and mentor junior staff.
  • Project Management: Solid organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to work in varying conditions, including rugged field environments and fast-paced office settings.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) in Geology, Engineering Geology, or a closely related field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master's Degree (M.S.) with a specialization in Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Engineering Geology
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
  • Geology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in engineering geology or geotechnical consulting.

Preferred: Professional Geologist (PG) or Geologist-in-Training (GIT) certification. Experience with projects in the local geologic region is highly desirable.

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